CHE: Chemistry

CHE 125: Learning Strategies Essential for Success in Chemistry

Focuses on developing techniques, strategies, and advanced learning skills that are essential for success in college-level chemistry. Real world contexts, issues, and problems are explored from a chemistry perspective. Provides a bridge from high school to college courses and from CHE 131 to CHE 132. A grade of C or higher in CHE 125 satisfies the prerequisite for entry into CHE 132, provided CHE 129 or CHE 131 have been completed with a passing grade (D or higher).

3 credits, ABC/U grading

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CHE 129
​- E:
General Chemistry IA

A broad introduction to the fundamental principles of chemistry, including substantial illustrative material drawn from the chemistry of inorganic, organic, and biochemical systems. Basic concepts, problem solving, and factual material are emphasized. This course provides the necessary foundation for students who wish to pursue further coursework in chemistry. CHE 129 is inappropriate for students who satisfy the prerequisites for CHE 131 or 141. Three lecture hours, one 80-minute workshop, and one problem-solving session per week. The content and grading match that of CHE 131 (see course description for CHE 131), but the math prerequisites differ, and students attend a CHE 130 problem-solving session per week. The problem-solving session provides a structured environment for developing quantitative reasoning and problem-solving skills. CHE 129 may not be taken for credit in addition to CHE 123/124, CHE 131 or 141.

Mandatory co requisites: MAT 123 and CHE 130

4 credits

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CHE 130: Problem Solving in General Chemistry

This course provides a structured environment for completing CHE 129 homework assignments and helping students develop the quantitative reasoning and problem solving skills needed in General Chemistry. Satisfactory/Unsatifactory grading only. Grading is based on attendance and participation. Required for students taking CHE 129 along with MAT 123.

Mandatory corequisites: CHE 129 and MAT 123

1 credit, S/U grading

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CHE 131
​- E:
General Chemistry IB

A broad introduction to the fundamental principles of chemistry, including substantial illustrative material drawn from the chemistry of inorganic, organic, and biochemical systems. The principal topics covered are stoichiometry, the states of matter, chemical equilibrium and introductory thermodynamics, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, electron structure and chemical bonding, and chemical periodicity. The sequence emphasizes basic concepts, problem solving, and factual material. It provides the necessary foundation for students who wish to pursue further coursework in chemistry. This sequence is inappropriate for students who have completed two or more years of chemistry in high school; such students should take CHE 141, 142. Three lecture hours and one 80-minute workshop per week. May not be taken for credit in addition to CHE 129 or CHE 141.

Corequisite: MAT 125 or higher

4 credits

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CHE 132
​- E:
General Chemistry II

A continuation of either CHE 129 or 131, introducing the fundamental principles of chemistry, including substantial illustrative material drawn from the chemistry of inorganic, organic, and biochemical systems. The principal topics covered are stoichiometry, the states of matter, chemical equilibrium and introductory thermodynamics, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, electron structure and chemical bonding, and chemical periodicity. The sequence emphasizes basic concepts, problem solving, and factual material. It provides the necessary foundation for students who wish to pursue further coursework in chemistry. This sequence is inappropriate for students who have completed two or more years of chemistry in high school; such students should take CHE 141, 142. Three lecture hours and one 80-minute workshop per week. May not be taken for credit in addition to CHE 142.

Prerequisite: C or higher in CHE 129 or CHE 131; or C or higher in CHE 125 and D or higher in CHE 129 or CHE 131. Pre- or Corequisite: MAT 125 for those who took CHE 129 or 130; MAT 126 or higher for all others

4 credits

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CHE 133: General Chemistry Laboratory I

Designed to familiarize students with (1) some chemical and physical properties of substances, (2) techniques of quantitative chemistry, and (3) scientific methodology. Four hours of laboratory and discussion per week. CHE 133 may not be taken for credit in addition to CHE 143, and CHE 134 may not be taken for credit in addition to CHE 144.

Pre- or Corequisite: CHE 129 or 131

1 credit

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CHE 134: General Chemistry Laboratory II

Designed to familiarize students with (1) some chemical and physical properties of substances, (2) techniques of quantitative chemistry, and (3) scientific methodology. Four hours of laboratory and discussion per week. CHE 133 may not be taken for credit in addition to CHE 143, and CHE 134 may not be taken for credit in addition to CHE 144.

Prerequisites: CHE 133

Pre- or Corequisite: CHE 132

1 credit

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CHE 141
​- E:
Honors Chemistry I

The topics covered in this sequence are similar to those in CHE 131, 132, but draw more on students' previous background in science and mathematics in order to present the material in a more quantitative manner. Recommended for students with strong backgrounds in mathematics and science, especially chemistry and physics. Three lecture hours and one 80-minute workshop per week. CHE 141 may not be taken for credit in addition to CHE 131, and CHE 142 may not be taken for credit in addition to CHE 132. Priority given to students in the University's honors programs.

Prerequisite: High school chemistry; level 5 on the mathematics placement examination or co-registration in MAT 125 or higher calculus course or AMS 151

4 credits

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CHE 142
​- E:
Honors Chemistry II

The topics covered in this sequence are similar to those in CHE 131, 132, but draw more on students' previous background in science and mathematics in order to present the material in a more quantitative manner. Recommended for students with strong backgrounds in mathematics and science, especially chemistry and physics. Three lecture hours and one 80-minute workshop per week. CHE 141 may not be taken for credit in addition to CHE 131, and CHE 142 may not be taken for credit in addition to CHE 132. Priority given to students in the University's honors programs.

Prerequisite: C or higher in CHE 141

Pre- or Corequisite: MAT 126 or higher or AMS 161

4 credits

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CHE 143: Honors Chemistry Laboratory I

Laboratory program similar in content to CHE 133, 134 but conducted at a more intensive and stimulating level. Four hours of laboratory and discussion per week. CHE 143 may not be taken for credit in addition to CHE 133, and CHE 144 may not be taken for credit in addition to CHE 134. Priority given to students in the University's honors programs.

Corequisite: CHE 141

1 credit

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CHE 144: Honors Chemistry Laboratory II

Laboratory program similar in content to CHE 133, 134 but conducted at a more intensive and stimulating level. Four hours of laboratory and discussion per week. CHE 143 may not be taken for credit in addition to CHE 133, and CHE 144 may not be taken for credit in addition to CHE 134. Priority given to students in the University's honors programs.

CHE 303: Solution Chemistry Laboratory

Quantitative techniques of solution chemistry. Measurement: accuracy and precision, analysis, computation, and reporting. Spectrophotometry. Solution equilibria and kinetics. Use of computers is introduced. Six hours of laboratory and discussion.

CHE 310
​- H:
Chemistry in Technology and the Environment

Use of chemical principles in understanding processes that occur in the modern technological world and in the natural environment. Certain ecological problems of a chemical nature are analyzed. Methods of controlling these problems are discussed.

Prerequisite: CHE 132 or 142

3 credits

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CHE 312: Physical Chemistry (Short Course)

A one-semester treatment of fundamental concepts of physical chemistry, intended primarily for students of the biological sciences desiring an introduction to physical chemistry. Topics include equations of state; classical thermodynamics and its application to chemical equilibrium in reaction systems, multiphase systems, and electrochemical cells; kinetic theory of gases; transport properties; chemical kinetics. May not be taken for credit by students who have completed CHE 301. Not for major credit.

Prerequisite: CHE 132 or 142; MAT 132 or 142 or 127 or 171 or AMS 161

Pre- or Corequisite: PHY 121/123 or 125 or 131/133 or 141

3 credits

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CHE 321: Organic Chemistry I

An introduction to the structure, reactivity, and properties of organic compounds is presented using modern views of chemical bonding. These fundamental ideas are applied to topics ranging from synthetic chemistry to complex functional structures such as lipid bilayers.

Prerequisite: C or higher in CHE 132 or 142

4 credits

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CHE 322: Organic Chemistry IIA

Discussion of the structure, reactivity, and properties of organic compounds introduced in CHE 321 is continued. The chemistry of substances important in biology, medicine, and technology is emphasized. CHE 322 may not be taken for credit in addition to CHE 326.

Prerequisite: C or higher in CHE 321

4 credits

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CHE 326: Organic Chemistry IIB

Similar to CHE 322 but providing a more fundamental view of organic compounds, reaction mechanisms, and synthesis, based somewhat more explicitly on thermodynamics and kinetics. Especially for those who may major in chemistry, biochemistry, or another physical science. CHE 326 may not be taken for credit in addition to CHE 322.

Prerequisite: C or higher in CHE 321

4 credits

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CHE 327: Organic Chemistry Laboratory

Techniques of isolating and handling organic substances, including biological materials. A one-semester course that provides a basic organic laboratory experience. It is recommended that students take CHE 327 at the same time as or immediately following CHE 322 or 332. Four laboratory hours and one lecture hour per week. Not for credit in addition to CHE 383.

Prerequisite: CHE 133 or 143; CHE 134 or 144

Pre- or Corequisite: CHE 321

2 credits

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CHE 341: Organic Chemistry Honors Seminar I

Advanced topics in organic chemistry within the scope but beyond the reach of CHE 321 (Organic Chemistry I) will be discussed along with an introduction to contemporary research topics. Permission to enroll will be granted to students who have demonstrated excellence in their General Chemistry courses.

Prerequisites: CHE 132 or 142; permission of instructor

Corequisite: CHE 321

1 credit

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CHE 342: Organic Chemistry Honors Seminar II

Advanced topics in organic chemistry within the scope but beyond the reach of CHE 322 and CHE 326 (Organic Chemistry II) will be discussed along with topics in contemporary research. Permission to enroll will be granted to students who have demonstrated excellence in CHE 321.

CHE 346: Biomolecular Structure and Reactivity

The reactivity and physiological function of biological macromolecules and their monomeric constituents are described at the chemical level. The course reflects the most recent advances at the interface of organic chemistry and biochemistry. Specific topics include catalysis, biomimicry, protein and DNA modification, binding and target recognition, and correlation between three-dimensional structure and reactivity.

Pre- or Corequisites: CHE 322 or 326; CHE 301 or 312

3 credits

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CHE 348: Reaction Mechanisms in Organic Chemistry

Important classes of mechanisms of reactions useful in synthesis are explored. The kinetics and thermodynamics of these reactions are analyzed using modern structural theories. Examples of reaction types are substitutions, rearrangements, additions, eliminations, and selected organometallic reactions.

CHE 353: Chemical Thermodynamics

A rigorous development of thermodynamics and its application to systems of interest to chemists, including electrochemical cells, gases, polymers, and homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibrium. An introduction to statistical mechanics is included.

Prerequisites: CHE 302; CHE 321

3 credits

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CHE 357: Molecular Structure and Spectroscopy Laboratory

Optical and magnetic resonance spectroscopy are used to investigate the structural, dynamic, and quantum mechanical properties of some basic chemical systems. Emphasis is on the quantitative measurement of molecular parameters and transformations.

Prerequisites: CHE 304 and 383

2 credits

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CHE 358: Scientific Computing

The basic methods of numerical analysis and the design of computer programs that use them are discussed within the framework of solving a variety of exciting problems chosen from many areas of science. The presentation makes extensive use of powerful scientific computational environments, such as Mathematica, and Matlab, but guidance to other scientific high-level computer languages is also provided. No previous knowledge of scientific programming is assumed. Extensive use of personal or SINC-site computers outside the classroom is required

Prerequisite: MAT 127 or MAT 132 or MAT 142 or MAT 171 or AMS 161

2 credits

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CHE 361: Nuclear Chemistry

Properties of radioactive substances and their use in the study of chemical problems, nuclear stability and structure, nuclear reactions, radioactive decay, interactions of radiation with matter, nuclear medicine, isotope applications, and environmental control. Offered in summer only.

Prerequisites: Four semesters of chemistry; PHY 126 and 127, or 132/134 or 142 or 171; AMS 161 or MAT 127 or 132 or 142; permission of department through application by January 30; permission of instructor

Corequisite: CHE 362

3 credits

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CHE 362: Nuclear Chemistry Laboratory

Detection and measurement of radiation, electronic instrumentation, radiation safety, and application of radioactivity to chemical problems. Offered in summer only.

Corequisite: CHE 361

3 credits

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CHE 375: Inorganic Chemistry I

A survey of inorganic chemistry covering various classes of inorganic compounds and reactions with emphasis on the structural aspects. Wherever possible, the subject is treated on the basis of modern concepts of chemical bonding. Thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of inorganic reactions are included.

Prerequisite: CHE 322 or 326

3 credits

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CHE 376: Inorganic Chemistry II

The chemistry of the elements with an emphasis on the transition metals. Reaction mechanisms, synthesis, and structure are covered. Specific areas of concern include coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, and selected topics from solid-state and non-transition metal chemistry.

Prerequisite: CHE 375

3 credits

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CHE 378: Materials Chemistry

Our high-technology world is driven forward by advances in materials chemistry. This class will discuss some of the materials that underpin these technologies, as well as some of the novel classes of materials that are being developed for future applications. The course will cover the synthesis, structures, and properties of advanced materials, focusing on a range of topics with current societal importance (e.g. energy, computers, nanoscience, etc.). Specific topics may include batteries, fuel cells, catalysts, metals, semiconductors, superconductors, magnetism, and polymers.

Fundamental laboratory techniques including methods of separation, purification, synthesis, and analysis. Emphasis is on organic with an introduction to inorganic problems. For students who require substantial laboratory skills, such as those planning careers in research. Not for credit in addition to CHE 327.

Application of fundamental laboratory techniques to organic and inorganic problems including multistep syntheses and structural and mechanistic determinations. Lectures cover material pertaining to the experimental work, with an emphasis on spectroscopy.

Prerequisite: CHE 383

Corequisites: CHE 322 or 326; CHE 385

3 credits

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CHE 385: Tools of Chemistry

A seminar course covering topics common to all areas of chemistry: scientific ethics, chemical literature and information retrieval, scientific writing, and oral presentation. Should be taken concurrently with the student's second 300-level chemistry laboratory course. Satisfactory completion of the course fulfills the Chemistry department's upper division writing requirement. A through C/Unsatisfactory grading only.

Corequisite: CHE 304 or 384

1 credit, ABC/U grading

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CHE 386: Professional Skills

Development and refinement of the professional skills used by scientists. The exploration of more sophisticated presentation skills used in oral and poster presentations. The incorporation of collaborative problem solving that mimics real world situations, including simple proposal writing. An exposure to professional societies and meetings. An exploration of career options and employment resources. Tips for resume preparation, and interviews will be presented. Recommended for upper division undergraduates and Masters students.

Prerequisite: CHE 385 or permission of instructor

2 credits, S/U grading

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CHE 461: Selected Topics in Chemistry

Semester supplements to this Bulletin contain specific description when course is offered. May be repeated as the topic changes.

Prerequisite: Varying with topic

1-3 credits

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CHE 475: Undergraduate Teaching Practicum I

Work with a faculty member as an assistant in one of the faculty member's regularly scheduled classes. The student is required to attend all the classes, do all the regularly assigned work, and meet with the faculty member at regularly scheduled times to discuss the intellectual and pedagogical matters relating to the course. Students may participate only in courses in which they have excelled.

Prerequisite: Permission of department

3 credits, S/U grading

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CHE 476: Undergraduate Teaching Practicum II

Work with a faculty member as an assistant in one of the faculty member's regularly scheduled classes. Students assume greater responsibility in such areas as leading discussions and analyzing results of tests that have already been graded. Students may participate only in courses in which they have excelled. The course in which the student is permitted to work as a teaching assistant must be different from the course in which he or she previously served.

Prerequisite: Permission of department

3 credits, S/U grading

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CHE 477: Undergraduate Teaching Practicum III

Work with a faculty member as an assistant in one of the faculty member's regularly scheduled classes. Students may participate only in courses in which they have excelled. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: CHE 476; permission of instructor and department

S/U grading

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CHE 487: Research in Chemistry

Students pursue research or tutorial study in specialized areas of chemistry. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and department

0-6 credits

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CHE 488: Internship

Research participation in off-campus laboratories. Students are required to submit to the department a proposal at the time of registration and a research report at the end of the semester. May be repeated up to a limit of 12 credits.

Prerequisites: CHE 384; permission of instructor and department

0-6 credits, S/U grading

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CHE 490: Current Trends in Biological Chemistry

A discussion of current topics of research and methodology in modern biological chemistry. The course includes directed readings, attendance, and discussion at seminars presented by speakers from various academic and industrial institutions. May be repeated.

Prerequisite: CHE 322 or 326

Pre- or Corequisite: CHE 301 or 312

1 credit

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CHE 495: Senior Research

First course of a two-semester research program to be carried out under the supervision of a staff member. The results of this work are to be submitted to the department in the form of a senior research report. The student is given an oral examination in May by a faculty committee consisting of the student's supervisor and three other faculty members. Students receive only one grade upon completion of the sequence CHE 495-496.

Prerequisite: U4 standing; permission of instructor and department

3 credits

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CHE 496: Senior Research

Second course of a two-semester research program to be carried out under the supervision of a staff member. The results of this work are to be submitted to the department in the form of a senior research report. The student is given an oral examination in May by a faculty committee consisting of the student's supervisor and three other faculty members. Students receive only one grade upon completion of the sequence CHE 495-496.